Adam Levell

The best earbuds for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26 and S26+ are Samsung’s own Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: strong noise cancelling, IP57, and 24-bit/96kHz audio over the Samsung Seamless Codec, which only Galaxy phones support. For less money, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE cancel noise just as well. If you want the best sound and use more than one brand of device, get the Sony WF-1000XM6, which use LDAC on Galaxy phones. On a budget, the EarFun Air Pro 4 and Soundcore P30i are the picks.

Check the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →

Every pick works with any recent Galaxy phone, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 and older S-series models. The Samsung-only extras need a Galaxy phone or tablet; we point them out in each pick.

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ official specifications plus published reviews and measurements from independent outlets (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy compared

Battery and water-resistance figures are the makers’ ratings. Battery life drops with noise cancelling, 360 Audio or hi-res codecs switched on.

The best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy phones in 2026

1. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: best overall

Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro alongside the Galaxy S26 in February 2026, and they’re the earbuds that get the most out of it. On a Galaxy phone they stream at up to 24-bit/96kHz over Samsung’s Seamless Codec (SSC UHQ), and you get 360 Audio with head tracking, head gestures for answering calls, Auracast and Gemini or Bixby by voice. They have silicone ear tips, are rated IP57, and the case charges over USB-C or Qi wireless chargers (SamMobile).

SoundGuys rates them 8/10, measured strong noise cancelling (about 84 percent average attenuation), and got just over 6 hours per charge with ANC on. Good to know: battery life is shorter than Sony’s or Apple’s flagships, there’s no true multipoint (they auto-switch between Galaxy devices instead), and most of the extras disappear on a non-Samsung phone.

Check the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →

2. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: best value Samsung earbuds

The Galaxy Buds 3 FE (September 2025) borrow the stem design of Samsung’s Pro earbuds and, unlike the regular Buds 4, they seal with silicone ear tips. That pays off: SoundGuys measured about 86 percent noise reduction, slightly better than Samsung’s pricier Pro model of the same generation, and concludes that “Samsung’s best earbuds aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones.” They support the Samsung Seamless Codec and Galaxy AI features, and they’re rated IP54. They’re also the Samsung pick in our best headphones for teens.

Good to know: there’s no multipoint and no wireless charging, and SoundGuys measured under 4.5 hours per charge with ANC on, below Samsung’s 6-hour rating. They’re often discounted.

Check the Galaxy Buds 3 FE on Amazon →

3. Sony WF-1000XM6: best sound

Galaxy phones support Sony’s LDAC codec (Android Central), so the WF-1000XM6 (February 2026) can stream hi-res audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz from a Galaxy S26, just as they would from a Sony phone. SoundGuys calls them Sony’s best earbuds so far, with great sound, excellent noise cancelling and much-improved microphones for calls. They also support true multipoint, are rated IPX4, and last up to 8 hours per charge (24 with the case).

Good to know: they’re the most expensive pick, LDAC at its highest quality uses more battery, and you manage them in Sony’s app rather than in the Galaxy Wearable app. If you also use a Windows laptop or a non-Samsung tablet, they’re the better choice over the Buds 4 Pro.

Check the WF-1000XM6 on Amazon →

4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): best for multipoint and comfort

The Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are for people who want top-tier noise cancelling and switch between a phone and a laptop all day. What Hi-Fi? praises their outstanding noise cancelling, design and punchy, entertaining sound. Bose rates them at up to 6 hours per charge (4 with Immersive Audio), with three more charges in a wireless-charging case, plus multipoint and IPX4 (Bose).

Good to know: there’s no hi-res codec advantage on a Galaxy phone, battery life is on the short side, and the list price is high, though they’re often on sale for less.

Check the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds on Amazon →

5. EarFun Air Pro 4: most features for the money

The EarFun Air Pro 4 pack features you usually pay much more for: adaptive hybrid noise cancelling, LDAC (which Galaxy phones support) and aptX Lossless, multipoint, a low-latency game mode and six microphones for calls. Battery life is up to 11 hours per charge (7.5 with ANC) and 52 hours with the case, and they’re rated IPX5. SoundGuys liked the sound, noise cancelling, comfort and feature-packed app for the money.

Good to know: on a Galaxy phone you’d use LDAC rather than aptX Lossless, and SoundGuys notes that turning noise cancelling on changes the sound. EarFun has since released the Air Pro 4+, so the Air Pro 4 is often discounted.

Check the EarFun Air Pro 4 on Amazon →

6. Soundcore P30i: cheapest noise cancelling

If you want noise cancelling for as little as possible, the Soundcore P30i usually sell for well under $50. They last up to 10 hours per charge (6 with noise cancelling) and up to 45 hours with the case, support Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint, are rated IP54, and the case doubles as a phone stand. The Soundcore app adds a custom EQ.

Good to know: the noise cancelling is well behind the Samsung, Sony and Bose picks, there’s no wireless charging, and there’s no hi-res codec. For more cheap options, see our best earbuds under $50 for Android.

Check the Soundcore P30i on Amazon →

Check the P30i at Soundcore.com (from $24.99) →

Soundcore.com code AFSC20: an extra 20% off full-price items (valid through Dec 31, 2026).

What matters when you buy earbuds for a Galaxy phone

• Samsung’s codec only works with Samsung earbuds. The Samsung Seamless Codec, including the 24-bit/96kHz UHQ mode on the Buds 4 Pro, needs Galaxy Buds and a Galaxy phone. Other earbuds connect over AAC, SBC or, if they support it, LDAC.
• LDAC is the hi-res option for other brands. Galaxy phones support LDAC, so Sony and EarFun earbuds can stream hi-res audio too. Check a pair’s codec list before paying extra for other hi-res codecs.
• Galaxy Buds extras need a Galaxy device. 360 Audio with head tracking, head gestures, Auto Switch between your Galaxy phone, tablet and watch, and Galaxy AI voice features work best, or only, on Samsung phones.
• Multipoint isn’t the same as Auto Switch. Galaxy Buds hand off between Samsung devices signed in to the same account. If you need to stay connected to a Galaxy phone and a Windows laptop or MacBook at once, pick earbuds with true multipoint, like the Sony, Bose, EarFun or Soundcore.
• Fit decides noise cancelling. Earbuds with silicone tips (Buds 4 Pro, Buds 3 FE, Sony, Bose) block much more noise than open-fit earbuds like the regular Galaxy Buds 4.

Using a Pixel or another Android phone too? See our best earbuds for Google Pixel and our guide to wireless earbuds for Android. Have an iPhone in the house? We cover that in best earbuds for iPhone.

Also worth a look

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 ($179.99): the open-fit version, with no silicone tips. SoundGuys found that the fit doesn’t stay put for many people and noise cancelling can only do so much without a seal. Only consider them if you know you prefer AirPods-style earbuds.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: the older, cheaper FE model with noise cancelling and wing tips for a secure fit. Worth it only at a clear discount below the Buds 3 FE.
• For workouts: the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (ear hooks, IPX4, a Beats app for Android) or, for much less, the JLab Go Sport+.

Our verdict

On a Galaxy S26, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are the best all-round earbuds: strong noise cancelling, IP57, and 24-bit hi-res audio and features that only Samsung earbuds get. The Galaxy Buds 3 FE give you most of that, with noise cancelling that’s just as good, for much less. If you care most about sound or use non-Samsung devices too, get the Sony WF-1000XM6; for multipoint and comfort, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds. On a budget, the EarFun Air Pro 4 bring LDAC and 52 hours of battery for under $100, and the Soundcore P30i is the cheapest way to get noise cancelling.

Frequently asked questions

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For most iPhone owners the AirPods Pro 3 are the best earbuds you can buy: Apple’s strongest noise cancelling, a sealed fit, heart-rate sensing for workouts and up to 8 hours per charge. If you’d rather spend less, the new AirPods 5 now have noise cancelling too. For workouts, get the Powerbeats Pro 2; on a tight budget, the Beats Solo Buds keep the one-tap iPhone pairing for under $100.

Check the Apple AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

Every pick here works with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone Duo, the iPhone 17, iPhone Air and 17e, and older iPhones. Where a feature needs a newer iPhone or a recent iOS version, we say so.

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ official specifications plus published reviews from independent outlets (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best earbuds for iPhone compared

Battery and water-resistance figures are the makers’ ratings. Battery life drops with noise cancelling, Spatial or Immersive Audio switched on.

The best earbuds for iPhone in 2026

1. Apple AirPods Pro 3: best overall

The AirPods Pro 3 are the easiest recommendation for an iPhone. Apple says they remove up to twice as much noise as the AirPods Pro 2 (Apple Newsroom), and they last up to 8 hours per charge with noise cancelling on, or 24 hours with the case. They’re rated IP57 for dust, sweat and water, come with five ear-tip sizes from XXS to L, and the case charges on MagSafe, Qi, an Apple Watch charger or USB-C (Apple specs).

Two extras matter on an iPhone. A built-in heart-rate sensor tracks workouts in the Fitness app, so you can leave the Apple Watch at home, and Live Translation works on an Apple Intelligence iPhone. They also support Apple’s Hearing Aid feature. What Hi-Fi? gives them five stars. Good to know: they’re the priciest AirPods earbuds, and most of the smart features don’t work on Android.

Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

2. Apple AirPods 5: best value AirPods

Apple announced the AirPods 5 in September 2026, with an optional wireless charging case, and noise cancelling now comes on both models (Apple Newsroom). They keep the open fit of the AirPods 4, with no silicone ear tips, and Apple says the new noise cancelling removes up to 50 percent more noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC. The ear-tip-free fit is one reason they’re the iPhone pick in our headphones for teens guide.

The wireless charging version adds a case that charges on Qi and Apple Watch chargers as well as USB-C, plus a volume swipe on the stem. Battery life is up to 5 hours per charge with noise cancelling, or 22 hours with the case. Good to know: an open fit can’t seal out noise like the AirPods Pro 3, so frequent flyers and train commuters should spend the extra $100. If you don’t like silicone tips in your ears, these are the ones to get.

Check the AirPods 5 on Amazon →

3. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: best for workouts

Beats is owned by Apple, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 run on the same H2 chip as the AirPods Pro, so you get one-tap pairing, automatic switching between your Apple devices, hands-free Siri and Find My. The ear hooks keep them in place on runs and in the gym, they’re rated IPX4, and they last up to 10 hours per charge (8 with noise cancelling) with about 3.5 more charges in the case, which also charges wirelessly on Qi (Macworld).

Macworld calls them its favorite earbuds for exercise. They also have heart-rate sensors, but if you wear an Apple Watch the iPhone uses the watch’s reading instead. Good to know: they skip some AirPods Pro features, such as Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio and the hearing-health tools, and the hooks make the case bigger. Unlike AirPods, they also have a Beats app for Android.

Check the Powerbeats Pro 2 on Amazon →

4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): best non-Apple noise cancelling

If noise cancelling is your top priority and you don’t need Apple’s extras, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are the main rival to the AirPods Pro 3. What Hi-Fi? praises their outstanding noise cancelling, design and punchy, entertaining sound. Bose rates them at up to 6 hours per charge (4 with Immersive Audio), with three more charges in a wireless-charging case, plus multipoint and IPX4 (Bose).

Good to know: battery life is the shortest of the premium picks, and on an iPhone you manage them in the Bose app rather than in iOS Settings. They have often been on sale for less.

Check the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds on Amazon →

5. Sony WF-1000XM6: best for calls and sound

Sony’s WF-1000XM6 (February 2026) are the pick for people who also use a Mac, a Windows laptop or an Android phone. SoundGuys calls them Sony’s best earbuds so far, with great sound, excellent noise cancelling and much-improved microphones for calls. They support multipoint, are rated IPX4, and last up to 8 hours per charge (24 with the case).

Good to know: their headline LDAC hi-res codec doesn’t work on an iPhone, which streams over AAC, so on iOS you’re paying for the noise cancelling, microphones and tuning rather than hi-res audio. They’re the most expensive pick here. Sony’s app has a detailed EQ.

Check the WF-1000XM6 on Amazon →

6. Beats Solo Buds: cheapest with one-tap iPhone pairing

The Solo Buds are the cheapest earbuds that pair with an iPhone the way AirPods do: one tap to connect, synced to every device on your iCloud account, Find My for the last connected location, and audio sharing (MacRumors). They’re rated IPX4 for sweat and splashes (Apple). The earbuds themselves hold up to 18 hours, and the tiny case has no battery of its own: it’s just for storage and charging over USB-C.

Good to know: to hit that price they drop noise cancelling, Transparency mode, “Hey Siri” and in-ear detection, and TechRadar found the bass lighter than you might expect from Beats. They’re a good spare pair, or a first pair for a teen’s iPhone.

Check the Beats Solo Buds on Amazon →

7. Soundcore P30i: cheapest noise cancelling

If you want noise cancelling for as little as possible, the Soundcore P30i usually sell for well under $50. They last up to 10 hours per charge (6 with noise cancelling) and up to 45 hours with the case, support Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint, are rated IP54, and the case doubles as a phone stand. The Soundcore app works on iPhone and adds a custom EQ.

Good to know: the noise cancelling is well behind the AirPods and Bose, there’s no wireless charging, and you don’t get Apple’s one-tap pairing or automatic switching. For more budget picks, see our best earbuds under $150 guide.

Check the Soundcore P30i on Amazon →

Check the P30i at Soundcore.com (from $24.99) →

Soundcore.com code AFSC20: an extra 20% off full-price items (valid through Dec 31, 2026).

What matters when you buy earbuds for an iPhone

• The codec doesn’t matter much. iPhones stream Bluetooth audio over AAC. Hi-res codecs such as LDAC and aptX, which many Android-first earbuds advertise, aren’t supported, so don’t pay extra for them if you only use an iPhone.
• Apple’s chips add the conveniences. AirPods and recent Beats use Apple’s own chips, which give one-tap pairing, automatic switching between your iPhone, iPad and Mac, hands-free Siri and Find My. Other brands connect like any Bluetooth device and use their own app.
• Some features need a newer iPhone. Live Translation needs an Apple Intelligence iPhone and a recent iOS version, and AirPods Pro 3 heart-rate tracking works through the Fitness app in iOS 26 and later.
• Fit matters more than specs. Sealed earbuds with silicone tips (AirPods Pro 3, Bose, Sony) block the most noise. Open-fit AirPods 5 are more comfortable for some people but block less. Hooks (Powerbeats Pro 2) are the most secure for sport.
• One cable for everything. Every current iPhone and every pick here charges over USB-C, and the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 5 (wireless charging model), Powerbeats Pro 2 and Bose cases also charge wirelessly.

Want over-ear headphones instead? See our best noise-cancelling headphones. Using an Android phone too? Our best earbuds for Google Pixel guide covers the Android side.

Also worth a look

• AirPods Pro 2: replaced by the AirPods Pro 3, but still good if you find them at a clear discount.
• AirPods 4: replaced by the AirPods 5; only worth it on a big sale.
• Beats Studio Buds+: a middle option with noise cancelling and one-tap pairing on both iPhone and Android, for people who want Beats without ear hooks.

Specs from the makers, side by side

Every figure below comes from the manufacturer’s own spec page, taken from our earbuds and headphones spec database. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it, not that the feature is missing.

Our verdict

For an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 are the best all-round earbuds: Apple’s strongest noise cancelling, a secure sealed fit, IP57 and heart-rate tracking. If that’s too much, the AirPods 5 give you noise cancelling and the same easy iPhone pairing for less. Athletes should get the Powerbeats Pro 2. If you also use non-Apple devices, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM6 are the best alternatives, and on a budget the Beats Solo Buds and Soundcore P30i cover the basics for under $100.

Black Friday 2026: AirPods and iPhone earbud deals

Black Friday 2026 is November 27, with many deals starting the week before and running through Cyber Monday (November 30). Last year the AirPods Pro 3 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) both dropped well below their list prices around Black Friday, so a small cut on either is worth waiting out.

• The AirPods 5 are new (September 2026), so discounts on them may be small this year; the AirPods Pro 3 have a full year of deal history.
• Watch after Black Friday too: the AirPods Pro 3 hit their lowest price of 2025 in December, after Black Friday.
• Check the model name: listings for older AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 will also be discounted.

Frequently asked questions

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